What: Public rally to support the Affordable Care Act

When: Thursday, February 9 at 4 p.m.

Where:  In front of U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith’s Abingdon office (323 W. Main St.) at the corner of Main St. and Russell Rd.

Abingdon, Va.— Virginia Organizing members and supporters in Southwest Virginia will hold a public demonstration in support of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and health care for all people on Thursday, February 9 at 4 p.m. in front of U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith’s Abingdon office. This is one of two actions in Representative Griffith’s district on Thursday.

Community members will share stories about how the Affordable Care Act has improved their lives and benefited their families and will write letters to Representative Griffith asking him to do everything in his power to support the ACA and expand health coverage to more people.

“Human beings get sick and need health care regardless of our age or station in life,” said Denise Smith, Bland County resident and long time Virginia Organizing member.

Smith continued, “They are saying we can have access to health care but only if you can afford it. I have access to buy a $250,000 car, just not the money to do that. Not being able to afford an expensive car won’t kill me, not being able to access affordable health care will.  Lack of health care kills more Americans than any other threat I see today.”

“For years I have celebrated the most important milestone in my life, another year cancer-free, but now I’m having to fight for my life again,” said Virginia Organizing leader Matt Skeens. “Like I never stopped fighting when I was 12 years old and first diagnosed with cancer, I won’t stop working now to keep my affordable health care coverage. I’m ready to keep going, except now, instead of cancer, I’m fighting Congress.”

Virginia Organizing is calling on Congress to improve on existing plans, close the gap, and expand coverage for more people by holding events across the state in January and February as Congress is in session. To find a full schedule of events, visit www.virginia-organizing.org/events.

To interview a spokesperson for this event, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.

Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia. 

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